"This is a massive win for human artists" - Internet reacts to iHeartRadio banning AI-generated music and AI personalities on all its stations

iHeartRadio has reportedly taken a stand against AI by banning all AI-generated music and AI personalities across its stations from November 24, 2025. According to Billboard, Tom Poleman, iHeart's chief programming officer and president, announced the news in a staff memo on November 21, 2025, clarifying that the company does not “use AI-generated personalities” or “play AI music that features synthetic vocalists pretending to be human."

Additionally, iHeartRadio has also launched its new “Guaranteed Human" initiative, promising to make it "a core part of our brand."

"A few weeks ago, I shared that iHeart is one of the last truly human entertainment sources and our listeners come to us for companionship, connection, and authenticity — something AI can’t replicate."

"We’re Guaranteed Human. We don’t use AI-generated personalities. We don’t play AI music that features synthetic vocalists pretending to be human. And the podcasts we publish are also Guaranteed Human," the memo read.

News of iHeartRadio banning all AI-related content across its stations was met with varied responses from netizens on X. One user praised the decision, calling it a "massive win" for artists.

"FINALLY! This is a massive win for human artists and the future of music integrity. Radio should be about real talent, not algorithms."

Several netizens shared similar sentiments, applauding the radio station for its decision and hoping other music companies and streaming services would follow suit.

Meanwhile, others seemed critical of the decision, adding that artists often used auto-tune in their songs and saying that AI was a similar tool.

iHeartRadio said research showed people preferred “Guaranteed Human” content

AI artists have been on the rise in the music industry over the past few months, with many AI artists debuting on various Billboard charts. According to a Billboard report on November 4, 2025, as many as six or seven AI artists debuted on Billboard charts, including Xania Monet, who became the first AI-powered artist to debut on an airplay chart.

Speaking with CBS' Gayle King in November, Mississippi-based Telisha “Nikki” Jones, who is Monet's creator, said she looked at the AI artist as a "real person," adding that Monet was an "extension" of her. She further said she considered AI a tool when King asked her if she believed her process was a "shortcut," adding:

"I wouldn’t call it a shortcut because I still put in the work. And any time something new comes about and it challenges the norm and challenges what we’re used to, you’re going to get strong reactions behind it. And I just feel like AI is the new era that we’re in, and I look at it as a tool, as a instrument, utilise it.”

Furthermore, several human artists have admitted to using AI in their music to write lyrics, including Lose Control singer Teddy Swims. Amid the widespread infiltration of AI in the music industry, iHeartRadio recently announced its decision to boycott AI-generated music and AI personalities.

In a memo dated November 24, Tom Poleman, iHeartRadio's president, spoke about the new "Guaranteed Human" initiative, writing:

"Starting Monday, 11/24, we’re making “Guaranteed Human” a core part of our brand. You’ll hear it in our imaging, and we want listeners to feel it every time they tune in."

The memo further stated that the initiative was not simply "a tagline — it’s a promise," citing research proving that people enjoyed human-made content more than AI-generated content. The research stated that while 70% consumers used AI tools, 90% preferred consuming media from real humans. Furthermore, 92% admitted that "nothing can replace human connection," with 9 in 10 people saying "human trust" can’t be "replicated with AI."

The memo added that iHeartRadio promoted "AI powered productivity and distribution tools" to help with "scheduling, audience insights, data analysis, workflow automation, show prep, editing and organization" that helped people work efficiently while "preserving the human creativity and authenticity that define our brand."

"The bottom line is our research tells us that 96% of consumers think “Guaranteed Human” content is appealing. So, we’re leaning in. Thank you for keeping it real and making “Guaranteed Human” something that our audience hears and feels every day. Sometimes you have to pick a side — we’re on the side of humans," the memo concluded.

According to The Los Angeles Times, iHeartRadio is the largest radio operator in the United States with more than 860 stations.

Edited by Juhi Marzia